Most older people do not experience abuse. But, unfortunately, there are ways in which an older person can be harmed or abused by others. An older person may also experience more than one form of abuse at any given time.

Financial or material abuse, including theft, fraud, exploitation, pressure in connection with wills, property, inheritance or financial transactions, or the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits.

Neglect and acts of omission, including ignoring medical or physical care needs, failure to provide access to appropriate health, social care or educational services, the withholding of the necessities of life such as medication, adequate nutrition and heating.

Discriminatory abuse, including ageism, racism, sexism, that based on a person's disability, and other forms of harassment, slurs or similar treatment.

You are not being provided with appropriate clothing for the weather conditions

You are being denied the aids you needs, e.g. glasses, hearing aid, dentures etc.

You are being left alone for long periods when you cannot move about easily or prepare meals with out assistance

You are bed / chair bound and you are experiencing pressure sores that are not being attended to even when brought to someone's attention

Financial AbuseConsider the possibility of financial abuse if:

Someone else has access to your accounts without your full permission

You feel pressured to allow someone else access to your accounts

Someone else makes decisions about your money without speaking with you first

You feel you have lost all control over your money

Your money is being spent by someone else for things other than your bills, clothes, food, etc.

You feel pressured to give money to someone else

Physical AbuseConsider the possibility of physical abuse if:

You have been treated roughly, enough to leave marks or bruises

You have been treated violently which caused broken bones, sprains, dislocations or other injuries

Someone has inflicted pain on you

Sexual AbuseConsider the possibility of sexual abuse if:

Someone has forced you to be intimate with them without your consent

If you are experiencing any of the feelings or effects outlined below then you may need to speak with your GP, Public Health Nurse or Senior Case Worker or contact the HSE Information line on 1850 24 1850.

Most older people do not experience abuse. But, there are many ways in which an older person can be harmed or abused. An older person may experience more than one form of abuse at any given time

If you suspect that an older person may be experiencing any of the feelings or effects outlined below then you may need to speak with a GP, Public Health Nurse or Senior Case Worker or contact the HSE Information line on 1850 24 1850.

'Protecting our Future', the report of the Working Group on Elder Abuse, published in September 2002, outlined the following possible indicators of elder abuse.

Psychological

Neglect

Financial

Physical

Sexual

Demoralisation

Depression

Feelings of hopelessness / helplessness

Disrupted appetite / sleeping pattern

Tearfulness

Excessive fears

Agitation

Resignation

Confusion

Unexplained paranoia

Dehydration

Malnutrition

Inappropriate clothing

Poor hygiene

Unkempt appearance

Under/over medicated

Unattended medical needs

Exposure to danger / lack of supervision

Absence of required aids, including reading glasses, dentures

Pressure sores

Unexplained or sudden inability to pay bills

Unexplained or sudden withdrawal of money from accounts

Funds diverted for someone else’s use

Being charged for unsolicited work or significantly overcharged for work done

Abuse can take place in any context. It may occur when an older person lives alone or with a relative; it may occur within residential or day-care settings, in hospitals, home support services and other places assumed to be safe, or in public places.

Patterns of abuse and abusing vary and reflect different circumstances:

Long-term abuse, in the context of an ongoing family relationship, such as domestic violence or sexual abuse between spouses or generations.

Opportunistic abuse, such as theft occurring because money has been left around.

Situational abuse, which arises because pressures have built up and/or because of the difficult or challenging behaviour of the older person.

Neglect of a person's needs because those around him or her are not able to be responsible for their care; for example if the carer has difficulties because of debt, alcohol or mental health problems.

Unacceptable 'treatments' or 'programmes', which include sanctions or punishment, such as the withholding of food and drink, seclusion, the unnecessary and unauthorized use of control and restraint, or the over, or under, use of medication.

Racist, ageist and other discriminatory practices by staff, including ageism, racism and other discriminatory practices, which may be attributable to the lack of appropriate guidance.

Misappropriation of benefits and/or use of the person's money by other members of the household or by care staff.

Fraud or intimidation in connection with wills, property or other assets

If you are a victim of Elder Abuse, are concerned about abuse, or if you suspect someone you know may be a victim of abuse, you should contact the HSE elder abuse service, through your GP, Public Health Nurse, local Health Centre or any of your local Senior Case Workers or An Garda Siochana.

The HSE has a dedicated Elder Abuse Service, with Senior Case Workers in Elder Abuse now working in most Local Health Office Areas.

All reported cases of Elder Abuse are treated very seriously. All cases will be treated with confidentiality and, in so far as is practical, will be handled in a way that respects the wishes of the older person. The prime focus is on ensuring the safety and well-being of the older person while providing supports to stop the unwanted behaviour and facilitate the continuation of care.

If you are a victim of Elder Abuse, are concerned about abuse, or if you suspect someone you know may be a victim of abuse, you should contact the HSE elder abuse service, through your GP, Public Health Nurse at your local Health Centre or any of your local Senior Case Workers - listed below - , HSE General Managers or An Garda Siochana.

HSE Senior Case WorkersThe HSE has a dedicated Elder Abuse Service, with Senior Case Workers in Elder Abuse now working in most Local Health Office Areas. Click here to find Senior Case Workers in your area.

Senior HelplineLoCall: 1850 440 444Website: www.thirdageireland.ie/what-we-do/14/senior-helpline/Email: info@thirdageireland.ieThe Senior Helpline provides opportunities for older people to talk to someone of their own age group for the price of a local call from anywhere in Ireland. Callers can talk to one of the older volunteers and all calls are taken in the strictest of confidence.

Cosc is the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence and was set up in June 2007. Cosc is an Irish word meaning to Stop or Prevent. This is the first time there has been a dedicated Government office with the key responsibility to ensure the delivery of a well co-ordinated "whole of Government" response to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. The work of Cosc covers issues relating to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence against women and men, including older people.Visit the COSC Website here

Citizen’s Information CentresLoCall: 1890 777 121Monday to Friday, 9am-9pmWebsite: www.citizensinformation.ieCitizens Information provides comprehensive information on all aspects of Public Services and entitlements for citizens in Ireland and is based on a personal approach to the presentation and delivery of information on public services and the social and civil rights of everyone in Ireland. Citizens Information is also available by calling in person to a Citizens Information Centre near you. This is a free and confidential service.